Washington Commanders

Execution Becomes the Moment of Truth for Giants' Beckham

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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What everyone thought about Odell Beckham’s confrontation with Josh Norman last season no longer matters. As the New York Giants face off against the Washington Redskins on Sunday, reflection means nothing. That should have already occurred. What matters is a singular focus on execution by the team and its star.

From the standpoint of Big Blue, it was a personal and organizational failure. Beckham acted unprofessionally. Head coach Tom Coughlin should have benched him. And the organization should have protected its house better.

Those teaching moments should be filed away already. What matters now is execution, and not just an offensive scheme. Call it the Norman plan.

Player Execution

Whoever thinks common sense always prevails in the NFL, ought to check some game film. So the idea that this situation will self-regulate is pure folly. The Giants should absolutely talk steps to manage any potential eventualities.

Call it risk management. It’s something that every quality corporation practices.

The New York Daily News reported on Sep. 22, 2016, the Giants plan was to “kill the Redskins with kindness.” Well if that originally was the game plan, then no one told Mr. Keenan Robinson.

Aug 27, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants linebacker Keenan Robinson (57) tackles New York Jets running back Matt Forte (22) in the 1st half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Hauser-USA TODAY Sports

When going for a division title, these types of mistakes sink team.

“The Giants are playing this cool for good reason, though: resurrecting the Norman-Beckham charade represents Washington’s best chance to win this game,” Pat Leonard points out.

If players and coaches have not talked about keeping a lid on things, then something is wrong. Or if that discussion was had, and Robinson still went AWOL, his wallet ought to be lighter.

Beckham Execution

After a great start to his NFL career, Odell Beckham is in a strange place. Statistically, he is not as prolific previous seasons. But his team appears at the top of the division standings. Beckham has shown up at the intersection of personal stats and team play.

How will he handle the situation?

Tough times usually don’t build character, they reveal it. On Sunday, Beckham’s statistics and ego have to take a back seat to victory. For a guy who wants to carry the load, that’s not an easy order.

ESPN reported on Sep. 21, 2016 that Norman will shadow Beckham on Sunday.

“Washington Redskins cornerback Josh Norman will follow New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. during Sunday’s game at MetLife Stadium, a Redskins source told ESPN’s Britt McHenry on Wednesday.”

Dec 20, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. (13) catches a touchdown pass in front of Carolina Panthers corner back Josh Norman (24) during the fourth quarter at MetLife Stadium. The Panthers defeated the Giants 38-35. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Bashaud Breeland, Washington’s other cornerback, will then have his hands full with the tandem of Sterling Shepard and Victor Cruz. The optimal outcome would be that Beckham torches Norman and the Giants win. But how realistic is that.

More likely would be a scenario were OBJ catches five passes on eight targets, but the Giants still win. Manning takes advantage of match-ups to utilize Shepard, Cruz, Shane Vereen and Larry Donnell.

Remember, Donnell once upon a time had three touchdown receptions against the Redskins.

Team Execution

The Beckham – Norman game feud had its foundation in team warm-ups last December. The fact that the Carolina Panthers seemingly were allowed to run roughshod over the field at MetLife Stadium represented an organizational failure.

One would think that security personnel is out on the field for a reason. Protecting players from fans in the stands, and handling pregame disputes. Why else are they out there?

The next angry letter that John Mara fires off to NFL commissioner Roger Goodell will be the first. But allowing the Carolina Panthers to brandish a baseball bat during pregame lacked common sense (see paragraph 1).

Don’t let this seem like an excuse for Beckham’s subsequent behavior. The fact is that the seeds o discontent were planted by blissful ignorance in pregame. Can we ever imagine in the world of Bob Craft and Bill Belichick that a baseball bat would come anywhere close to Tom Brady?

I hope you’re listening John Mara.